Dealers demand tight security at borders to prevent importation of textile

The Cloth Sellers Association (CSA) in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis on Thursday called on the Government to strengthen security at the country’s borders to prevent the illegal importation of textiles.

Members of the association noted that tight security at the sea, land and air entry points of the country would rather discourage the influx of foreign textiles on the Ghanaian local market.

Madam Esther Nyantakyi, Spokesperson, made the call in a statement read at a press conference in Takoradi in reaction to the seizure of quantities of bales of textiles by a national taskforce early this month.

Madam Cecilia Ansah and Madam Theresa Cobbina, secretary and president of the CSA respectively, jointly signed the statement.

Members of the Association argued out that as sellers, they buy their wax prints in the country for sale and not from outside therefore it would be wrong for them to be held responsible for the influx of imported textiles on the local market.

“Why would the authorities not stop the entry of these imported cloths from the ports, borders or any entry point in the country but rather use us as targets”, Madam Esther Nyantakyi asked.

Madam Nyantakyi expressed surprise at the sudden attack on the members who were not notified of the action and pleaded that their seized wax prints be returned to them as they contracted bank loans to purchase them.

They threatened to embark on protest activities if their wax prints were not returned to them.

Source: GNA